Barbet
Trait scores
Health risk profile
Conditions below are ranked by documented prevalence and severity in the Barbet. Risk level drives both veterinary costs and insurance pricing.
| Condition | Risk | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Hip dysplasia | moderate | Standard medium sporting-breed risk; request OFA scores. |
| Ear infections | moderate | Hair-filled, pendulous ears plus water work make otitis common. |
| Epilepsy | moderate | Idiopathic seizures occur in the breed at notable rates. |
| Eye disease (PRA, cataracts) | moderate | Hereditary eye conditions occur; annual eye exams recommended. |
| Allergies | low | Skin sensitivities appear in some lines. |
Pet insurance for a Barbet
Insurers price a Barbet from the breed's documented claims profile — here, a clean bill of health with no dominant high-risk hereditary condition. Enrolling early matters more than shopping hard: no carrier covers a condition once it is diagnosed.
Annual cost of ownership
Excluding insurance, the recurring cost of a Barbet is driven by how much it eats — which scales with body weight — and how much grooming it needs. At 35–65 lbs and a grooming score of 4/5, the Barbet sits well above the average dog on grooming spend. Chronic conditions from the risk table above can add substantially to the medical side of the budget — one reason breed-matched insurance matters. For the component-by-component breakdown, see the average cost of owning a dog, and model your own numbers with thecost of ownership calculator.
About the Barbet
The Barbet is an old French water dog — ancestor of the Poodle — that retrieved waterfowl from marshes for centuries and entered the AKC sporting group in 2020. It is a friendly, joyful, highly trainable family dog with moderate-to-high exercise needs and a genuine love of swimming. The dense, woolly, non-shedding coat suits many allergy sufferers but mats without regular brushing and periodic clipping. Suits active families wanting a rare, even-tempered water dog with poodle-like trainability and a rustic look.
Origin: France
Temperament
Related reading for Barbet owners
Barbet FAQ
How long do Barbets live?
The typical Barbet lifespan is 12–14 years. Diet, weight management, and screening for the breed's known hereditary conditions have the largest measurable effect on longevity.
How much does pet insurance cost for a Barbet?
There is no published breed-level price for pet insurance, so we do not quote one. NAPHIA's 2026 industry report puts the US average at $836 a year — about $70 a month — for accident-and-illness coverage on a dog, and insurers price above or below that line based on your dog's age, your ZIP code, and the plan you configure. The Barbet carries no dominant high-risk hereditary condition, which keeps it near or below that average. For real numbers, request quotes for your dog's exact age and ZIP code.
Is the Barbet a good apartment dog?
Conditionally. The Barbet can live in an apartment, but its 4/5 energy level means you'll need a consistent daily exercise routine.
What health problems are Barbets prone to?
The most significant documented risks are Hip dysplasia, Ear infections, Epilepsy. Ask breeders for the relevant health clearances and budget for insurance early, before any condition becomes pre-existing.